Announcing Workshops for TBEX Europe 2015

Last year we debuted the concept of small, indepth workshops at TBEX. These were a big hit with attendees as they got to dig into a topic in a way that shorter sessions don’t allow for. Attendees got to learn and practice right in the workshop sessions. The writers wrote and got critiques as did the photographers, and the technology and design session produced better designed and functioning websites.

We are again offering workshops as a fee-based add on to our traditional TBEX programming. The workshop fee is $200, and you must be registered for TBEX Europe 2015 to register for a workshop. Workshop registration in non-refundable; transfers are permitted.

All workshops will be held at our conference venue, Evenia Resort, on April 29-30th. Session times will run from 10 am -4 pm. The workshop instructor will be in touch with all participants regarding specific needs, to answer questions, and to help attendees best prepare and maximize their participation in the workshops.

Registration for the following indepth workshops is now available.

Writing Workshop

David Farley will be reprising his Writing Workshop that was offered in Athens. This sold out session drew rave reviews from participants, inspiring them to do continued work on their craft.

Workshop Description: From itinerant traveler to writer about our travels, one’s mindset shifts from casual observer to active participant. This two-day writing class workshop in Lloret de Mar will focus on what it takes to be a travel writer (or blogger or best-selling superstar author)—from pre-trip research and spotting a story while on the road to writing the perfect lead and making the pitch to editors. We’ll discuss story ideas and the elements of good and not-so-good travel writing; debunk some myths of travel writing; create structure for your story; critique each others’ work; and turn recollections into a marketable travel piece. Lectures will be followed by in-class writing exercises. And there will also be an opportunity to workshop a piece of your own writing (that you’ll submit to the instructor and peers prior to the first class meeting). Do your research on Costa Brava and Spain; we’ll be brainstorming story ideas so that you just might start working on a story about Spain while you’re there.

About David Farley: David Farley is the author of the award-winning travel memoir/narrative history, “An Irreverent Curiosity: In Search of the Church’s Strangest Relic in Italy’s Oddest Town” (Penguin, 2010), which was recently made into a documentary by National Geographic. He’s a Contributing Writer at AFAR magazine and also regularly contributes to the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Bon Appetit, and National Geographic Traveler, among other publications. He teaches travel writing at New York University and Columbia University.

This workshop is limited to 12 participants.

Technology & Design Workshop

In Athens, Mitch Canter provided one-to-one instruction to help participant’s learn how to create blogs and websites that incorporated best practices and solid technology. They walked away not only with knowledge, but with changes actually made. Mitch has incorporated some changes into his workshop, based on feedback from participants, to make it even more practical.

Workshop description: Blogging has changed the way that we publish content. But, good writing is only half the battle; it’s important to have a blog that looks nice, functions properly, and that you feel comfortable working with in order to get the most out of your content. What if you could take two days and truly master the nuts and bolts of your platform?

Veteran Web Designer and Developer MitchCanterdraws on nearly 10 years of experience, and can break down the complex parts of running a website down to easy to understand steps. From the basics of the web such as HTML and CSS to an in-depth overview of WordPress, Mitch can empower even the newest blogger make their website amazing.

About Mitch Canter: Mitch Canter is a WordPress Developer and marketing strategist from Franklin, TN. He strives to push technology and online media to new levels to help businesses, non-profits, and industry leaders tell their story online.

This workshop is limited to 6 participants.

Branding Workshop

The branding breakout session in Athens connected with many attendees who are struggling to find their voice in the travel blogging world or who, as their focus has changed, are considering a re-brand of themselves and their blog. This workshop will dig deeper into the hows and whys, and help you leave with concrete ways to improve your brand strategy.

Workshop description: This workshop is designed for intermediate travel bloggers, with a strong business focus, or for those looking on a rebrand or a launch of a new brand, as well as for small businesss who are looking to solidify their brand in the marketplace. The workshop will take a mastermind approach, combining a tangible step-by-step outline with detailed analysis and feedbck.

Topics covered will include everything from brand name, logo, mission statement and tagline, to content, social media strategy, PR outreach, freelance work and monetization strategies. Participants will get help honing and refining their branding message, along with tips on how to use that message in every aspect of their business.

About Bret Love and Mary Gabbett: This husband and wife team combine years of experience in journalism and industrial psychology into their passion for eco-tourism. The founders of Green Global Travel, and creative services agency Green Travel Media, they have created one of the leading brands in their field.